“Neglect, greed” to blame for Elliot Lake mall collapse

It has been 27 months since the Algo Centre Mall’s roof collapsed killing two people in Elliot Lake.

According to an independent report released Wednesday, decades of incompetence, neglect, greed and dishonesty are to blame for the collapse.

The first 744-page volume relates to events leading up to the collapse of the Algo Centre Mall in June 2012.

The second 652-page volume deals with post-collapse events, specifically the emergency response to the tragedy.

According the Paul Belanger, the Commissioner for the Elliot Lake Report, the roof was doomed to early failure, even while still in its planning stages.

“The evidence is incontrovertible, the collapse of the section of the roof of Algo Mall was caused by severe rusting of the connection between one column and one beam. But although it was rust that defeated the structure, the real story behind the collapse is one of human not material failure. Many of those whose calling or occupation touched the mall displayed failings. Its designers, builders, owners, some architects, and engineers as well as the municipal provincial officials with the duty of protecting the public. Some of these failings were minor, some were not.”

Belanger’s report does not lay any legal blame but comes as police, who have charged a former engineer criminally, continue to investigate the collapse.